Given how long it took for Ben Askren, inarguably one of the best welterweights in the world, to sign with the UFC, you would not be faulted for thinking that the promotion’s brass were not fans of his. In fact, given the way UFC President Dana White has previously spoken about Askren, it’d be understandable if you thought he hated the welterweight star outright.

Speaking at the post-fight press conference for UFC 230, which Ben Askren attended, Dana White assured this is not the case. In fact, Dana White says he came up with the deal that ultimately brought Askren to the UFC in exchange for Demetrious Johnson.

“We just talked. This guy thinks I hate him,” Dana White said at the UFC 230 post-fight press conference, detailing a conversation with Ben Askren. “If I hated you…I’m the one that came up with this deal, this was my idea. Why would I do this if I hated you so bad and didn’t want you to be here? It makes no sense.”

Interestingly, Dana White has also had Ben Askren blocked on Twitter for several years. Apparently, he had no idea this was the case, and has since rectified the situation.

“I didn’t know that he was blocked on Twitter,” Dana White said. “It wasn’t my first priority. I’ve been doing some s**t. But yes, I had my girl that does it unblock him on Twitter.”

How do you think Dana White feels about Ben Askren?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 11/5/2018.